Sure, you can drink your bourbon if you'd like, but a home-cooked, spiked dessert also sounds pretty agreeable. Luckily, bourbon makes fast friends with all of the mainstays of Dessert Land — chocolate, cherries, and caramel included. We've already shown you our Bourbon Pecan Pie Ice Cream, our Eggnog Pudding Shots, and our Bourbon Fruitcake Ice Cream Pops. Here are 20 boozed-up bourbon desserts that are sure to put your rocks glass in a time-out.
It wouldn’t be fall without a jug of fresh apple cider and an apple cider donut (or two!). But in addition to the classics, there are plenty of ways to use the spicy fall beverage for savory and sweet recipes alike. Here are the recipes we’ll be adding to our “to-cook” list immediately!
Brit + Co
This cake brings together pumpkin and apple cider, amplifying the *best* fall flavors of all time. Have a boozy hot chocolate at the ready, and you're golden. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Try this tangy fall take on a classic cocktail – you won’t be disappointed. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
This apple cider recipe infuses your sip with the zest of lemon and orange, then blending beautifully with warm fall spices. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
It’s another addition to our Spike Your Sweets series, and this apple cider sorbet is made even better by the fact that you don’t need an ice cream maker to make it. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
The slow cooker adds deeper, more rich tasting notes to your big ol' batch of autumnal apple cider. (via Brit + Co)
Sincerely Kinsey
Not only do these pancakes include apple cider, but they also have nutmeg, cinnamon, and sweet brown sugar. Yum! (via Sincerely Kinsey)
Half Baked Harvest
Caramel-covered apples get a sweet + salty upgrade with this recipe. You can even make it boozy with a splash of bourbon. (via Half Baked Harvest)
How Sweet Eats
If you made it through that recipe title and your mouth isn’t watering, we don’t even know what to say. These easy muffins are our new fall favorite. (via How Sweet Eats)
Half Baked Harvest
Drink to all things fall with this cocktail that mixes apple cider with orange, fig preserves, bourbon, and sparkling water. (via Half Baked Harvest)
Completely Delicious
This open-faced pancake recipe lets you dig into the best fall feels, all covered with a super sweet apple cider syrup. (via Completely Delicious)
Prospect: The Pantry
Try cider in place of the traditional white wine for a unique flavor next time you’re cooking mussels. (via Prospect: The Pantry)
Handle The Heat
A new twist on the traditional combo of caramel and apples, these bite-sized sweets are guaranteed addictive. (via Handle The Heat)
Averie Cooks
This dish perfectly exemplifies that sweet and savory were meant to be. Sink your teeth into some tender chicken, then rotate to the sweet, caramelized apple component! (via Averie Cooks)
Vikalinka
This is the *best* apple cider recipe for entertaining a crowd. Full of meaty sustenance, this is one you'll definitely want to add to your recipe book. (via Vikalinka)
Half Baked Harvest
Cronuts never really went away, and these apple-pecan ones are sure to send you into sugar shock — only in a good way! (via Half Baked Harvest)
Local Kitchen
Your morning toast or PB&J will *never* be the same once you try this sweet + savory jelly. (via Local Kitchen)
A Sweet Pea Chef
Adding a bit of cider to this pulled pork recipe makes your sandwich have just a touch of sweet. It’s a recipe you don’t want to miss. (via A Sweet Pea Chef)
How Sweet Eats
Using apple cider and brandy in your sangria is a no-brainer. We love this refreshing fall cocktail recipe! (via How Sweet Eats)
Crowded Kitchen
Crunch on the best of the best with this kale-filled salad. It's tossed in an unforgettably tangy apple cider dressing! (via Crowded Kitchen)
Dessert For Two
Tiramisu no longer has to just be coffee-flavored. This apple cider version — made with apple pie moonshine — is a tasty update. (via Dessert For Two)
A Spicy Perspective
Bring a little more fall to a turkey dinner with this apple-cider gravy that's made with five ingredients: turkey stock, apple cider, garlic, flour, and salt. (via A Spicy Perspective)
Half Baked Harvest
Perfect for an October night, this dinner recipe slow-cooks short ribs in apple cider and adds in caramelized onions and fresh herbs. (via Half Baked Harvest)
Katie at the Kitchen Door
There’s no need to have a special pan to enjoy apple cider donuts. This bunt cake fits the bill just as well and looks like a giant donut. (via Katie at the Kitchen Door)
Belle Vie
Surprisingly, apple cider and tequila go quite well together. The best part of this sweet margarita cocktail, though, is the brown sugar rim. (via Belle Vie)
Half Baked Harvest
The secret to these cinnamon-sugar dusted cakes is boiling the apple cider down for optimal flavor. (via Half Baked Harvest)
A Spicy Perspective
The dough for these knots starts with apple cider, and they're finished with a dusting of butter and cinnamon sugar. (via A Spicy Perspective)
Half Baked Harvest
A white wine + cider sauce takes this fall chicken dinner to a whole other level. (via Half Baked Harvest)
Culinary Hill
Feast on these fall-favorites, fresh out of the oven for a real autumnal treat. (via Culinary Hill)
A Spicy Perspective
This vegan salad made with lentils, pomegranate arils, almonds, and green onion gets topped off with apple cider vinaigrette, apple butter, and Sriracha. (via A Spicy Perspective)
Barley & Sage
Filled with an apple-pecan streusel and topped with a cinnamon glaze, this apple cider bundt cake is perfect on a crisp fall day. (via Barley & Sage)
Coconut & Lime
For those of you that love gumdrops, these DIY candies are the perfect homemade version. (via Coconut & Lime)
What’s your favorite way to use cider? Let us know in the comments, and make sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more fall recipes!
This post has been updated.
Getting stuck in a cooking rut often means reaching for the same ingredients without realizing healthier — and just as tasty —alternatives are within easy reach. The good news? You don’t need to overhaul your routine to make a difference. With just a few simple cooking swaps, you can give your favorite meals a healthy twist, cut back on refined ingredients, and enjoy more nourishing ingredients every day.
Get that creamy tang without the extra fat. Greek yogurt is packed with protein, lower in calories, and often contains probiotics, which are great for your gut health. Greek yogurt is delicious in dips, dressings, or even dolloped on tacos or (my favorite) grilled salmon.
For sautéing or drizzling, EVOO adds heart-healthy fats and antioxidants. It’s a flavorful upgrade that also supports better cholesterol levels than butter. Just make sure to cook it at a lower heat, under 430 degrees is recommended.
Trade white rice or pasta for brown rice, quinoa, or whole wheat pasta. Whole grains are higher in fiber — and the secret to a healthy Mediterraneandiet — keeping you fuller longer and supporting digestive health. Cauliflower rice and spaghetti squash are also healthy alternatives to white rice and pasta and you get the added bonus of an extra veggie in your meal.
Avocados, an excellent source of healthy unsaturated fats, make a great swap for traditional mayo in baking and preparing your favorite sandwich. Avocado oil mayo is also a healthy alternative and you'll taste nearly no difference.
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I shred cauliflower or carrots into my daughter's pancakes to give an extra nutrient boost. Sneak in shredded zucchini, spinach, or cauliflower rice into sauces, casseroles, or even baked goods. Swap hearty mushrooms, beets or eggplant for burgers too. It’s a simple way to eat more fiber and vitamins without changing the dish, or taste, too much.
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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
If there's one thing The Seaside Baker blogger Jackie Bruchez knows, it's the sweet spot between fresh ingredients and luxurious desserts. In her new cookbook, Decadent Fruit Desserts($22), there is a little something comforting for everyone in more than 60 recipes, such as grilled peaches and a banana-chocolate pot de crème with cognac sauce. At the heart of each recipe is a key fruit ingredient, meant to shine as the star of the show. Bruchez elaborates in the intro of her book, “Transforming fruit, be it apples or oranges or more exotic varieties like dragon fruit, into a decadent, sophisticated, blow-your-mind dessert is the revelation I want to share with you." You don't have to just take our word for it. The paloma tart recipe below takes the tequila-grapefruit drink and morphs it into a bright and snappy multi-layered fruit tart.
(Serves 8-10)
Baker's Note: When making the curd, it is necessary to whisk the egg yolks and sugar before adding the citrus juice to avoiding curdling.
Ingredients:
Crust:
Grapefruit Tequila Curd:
Whipped Cream:
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9-inch fluted tart pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Make the crust. In a large bowl, mix the powdered sugar, flour, salt, lime zest, and coconut until they're well blended, about 30 seconds. Add the butter and lime juice; mix to combine them until moist clumps form. Press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the pan.
3. Bake the crust until it's golden brown, about 23 to 25 minutes. Cool it for 10 minutes.
4. While the crust is cooling, make the curd. In a heavy-bottomed, medium-sized pot, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until it's light and pale. Whisk in the salt, grapefruit zest, juice, and cornstarch. Place the pot on the stove over medium heat and cook the curd until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes. Remove it from the heat; stir in the butter, one tablespoon at a time, and then add the tequila, if using.
5. Pour the warm curd into the crust; let it sit for 30 minutes, then transfer the tart to the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour.
6. Right before serving, make the whipped cream. Beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and lime zest on high until stiff peaks form.
7. Dollop the cream onto the tart and garnish it with lime and grapefruit wedges.
RELATED: The Spicy Paloma Cocktail *Made* for Daytime Drinking
(Reprinted with permission from Decadent Fruit Desserts by Jackie Bruchez, Page Street Publishing Co. 2019. Photo credit: Jackie Bruchez.)
For every beloved Starbucks item, there’s one that’s equally disliked. Whether they’re menu mainstays or have disappeared forever, Starbucks baristas and customers have some very strong opinions about the many menu items the chain's released over the years. This Reddit thread in particular details the discontinued Starbucks items that fans of The ‘Bux miss “the least” – AKA ones they were more than happy to say goodbye to.
Whether baristas were irked by the process of making them, their general flavor, or customers’ reception of ‘em, these discontinued Starbucks items departed from menus with a sincere “good riddance.”
Launched in collaboration with Ariana Grande back in 2019, the Starbucks Cloud Macchiato featured a fluffy, meringue-like foam topping made by blending nonfat milk, vanilla syrup, and a “cloud powder.” It was available to order in two familiar flavors: caramel and cinnamon.
Several Starbucks baristas noted that they simply did not care for making it, especially because the included cloud powder contained egg. This frustrated many plant-based customers, as the drink couldn’t possibly be made fully vegan.
“Was more annoying to make than anything,” one barista commented on Reddit. “Also they didn’t [really] advertise that it contained egg.”
“Tasted foul, irritating to make, having to explain that it cannot be made vegan (thanks Ariana…), and if it was mobile ordered you were almost guaranteed to receive a deflated cup of disappointment and regret,” another user said.
Starbucks
I got to get a first taste of Starbucks’ Spicy Refreshers when they dropped during the summer of 2024. Admittedly, I didn't think they’d be that good, especially because at the time, it seemed like the chain was grasping at straws to retain their fan base. At the same time the spice-infused Refreshers launched, Starbucks also debuted their (short-lived) boba, and it was just wild. There was also a Spicy Cream Cold Foam included in the launch.
Out of the three Refresher flavors available (dragonfruit, strawberry, and pineapple), the pineapple one tasted the best. The trio turned out to be pretty hit or miss, and lots of fans and baristas agreed.
“Those spicy drinks feel like a fever dream,” one person wrote on Reddit. “Genuinely forgot we had those and forgot how horrible they were.”
Funnily enough, many more people weighed in and said the now-discontinued drinks were only tasty with a shot of tequila included. Fair enough!
Starbucks
Introduced in January of 2024, Starbucks’ first-of-its-kind Oleato beverages were crafted using extra virgin olive oil. The chain promised a “luxurious and next-level” flavor, but these drinks ended up totally bombing. Many customers and baristas reportednot being able to drink them whatsoever, or simply feeling sick if they did sip ‘em down.
"The barista refunded me after she saw me spit it back into the cup," this Redditor said.
"At my location, NOBODY likes the olive oil," another person noted. "Not even us baristas, it’s disgusting honestly."
Oh, lord. This discontinued Starbucks drink from 2017 truly needs to be studied. Available for a limited time, the Unicorn Frappuccino went viral for its “flavor-shifting, color-changing" qualities. It was crafted with an insane lineup of ice, milk, pink powder, sour blue powder, crème syrup, mango syrup, and sour blue drizzle – this massive load of sugar concerned plenty of people, too.
A former partner on Reddit verified that the reception of the so-called "famed" Unicorn Frappuccino wasn't all that it was cracked up to be:
"I think the worst part for me was, although it looked cool/pretty, it tasted absolutely horrible," they wrote. "If I recall correctly, it was the thick mango syrup, white chocolate, and some sour blue drizzle. I would say at least half of the customers who actually managed to get one from my store would return them half-full saying it was ‘disgusting’. And honestly, I agreed."
“If you were working in 2014-15, you get 'Nam flashbacks when anyone mentions unicorns or mermaids," another barista commented.
Starbucks
Discontinued at the end of 2023 for being generally unpopular, Starbucks' Toasted Vanilla syrup wasn’t quite well-received by baristas.
“That toasted vanilla smelled like every middle school mean girl ever, and it tastes like butt,” one person commented.
“Can’t believe I completely blocked the toasted vanilla out of my memory,” another said. “Sh-t was so nasty.”
Crafted with green coffee extract, ice, and kiwi pieces, the long-gone Starbucks Kiwi Starfruit Refresher hit menus in 2020, but sadly fell off in favor of other Refresher flavors like pineapple and blackberry. Several Starbucks baristas were happy to see it go since it tasted so bad.
“I remember making it when I was training and thinking, ‘this shit smells like battery acid.,’” someone commented.
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Embrace the carefree, wild-hearted vibe of a boho aesthetic for your festival fun this summer. Let folk music and the beauty of nature inspire your festival looks, from billowy palazzo pants to fringed jackets. And get in touch with your cosmic spirit with accessories like chakra necklaces and moonstone rings. These 42 summer-y fashion finds are the perfect way to embody boho, blissful vibes for every festival.
Thanks for reading about our favorite finds from across the internet! FYI: We participate in affiliate programs and may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.Amazon
This crochet hoodie dress is a laidback indie look that fits the eccentric aesthetic perfectly while having a modern flair. The crocheted design is hippy-dippy, and you can wear it with pants or with a bodysuit.
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Feel like a free spirit in this flowy, twirly paisley maxi skirt. The layered, patchwork style is beautifully eclectic and offers a nomadic aesthetic. It's an effortless way to create a lovely boho look with one item.
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These cork sandals will keep you comfortable as you walk from stage to stage. The cork insole is firm but spongey, absorbing shock impact with each step. And the earth-toned, strappy upper has a casual hippy vibe that works with pants or dresses.
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Radiate love and good vibes throughout your festival with these heart-shaped sunglasses. They give you complete UV protection and have an exquisite design that feels high-end. Wear them with your New Age looks, or create retro outfits with them at your next concert.
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This dainty babydoll dress has a deep V-neck and backless silhouette with a short, flowy bottom that creates a wild-hearted vibe. The layered skirt offers a voluminous look, and the simple texture is ripe for accessorizing.
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You'll look as radiant and warm as the sunset with these beaded earrings, made with hypoallergenic brass and glass seed beads. They're lightweight but make a stylish impact that enhances your outfit with a sun-drenched vibe.
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Elevate your outfit with this golden pendant belt and bring some sunshine wherever you go. The layered style gives any look a lavish feel while maintaining that sunny wanderlust vibe. Wear it with a wispy dress, a fitted bodysuit, or bell-bottom jeans.
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This ruffled skort is fabulous for festivals, giving you the comfort and coverage of shorts with the elegance and playfulness of a flowy skirt. Select one of the many dainty floral patterns to create a unique look that radiates flower power.
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These stretchy denim shorts offer a classic festival look along with supreme comfort. The cutoff style gives them a relaxed vibe, while the cotton, polyester, and spandex blend makes them flexible, so you can dance and squat and do it all.
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These wide-calf suede boots are the definition of chic boho, with a sandy brown material but a runway-ready silhouette. The low kitten heels keep them comfy enough for a three-day festival, and the knee-high style is sassy and luxurious.
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You won't just wear these floral embroidered bell bottoms to your next festival; you'll wear them to your next concert, Sunday brunch, trivia night, and beyond. The 100% cotton denim is comfortable and durable, ensuring these beautiful hippy pants withstand all the festival fun.
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Keep your phone, wallet, and keys safe with this dainty daisy crossbody bag. It's embroidered with yellow and white daisies for an endearing look, but the zippered pockets, removable strap, and canvas material make it a versatile festival must-have.
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This turquoise jewelry set comes with all the boho bling you could need for a whole summer of festivals. It includes 24 pieces, including pendant necklaces, bracelets, stone rings, and dramatic dangly or hoop earrings.
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This beachy maxi dress has a folky aesthetic, with tassel and pom-pom accents. The eggshell-colored floral lace is ethereal and drapey, ideal for hot days in the sun. The dress has a high-low cut that keeps it informal while looking graceful.
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Create a laidback outfit with this cool tie-dye T-shirt with a sun and moon mandala design. This top brings all the good vibes, with a soft cotton and stretchy elastane fabric blend. And the whimsical graphic print radiates cosmic energy.
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These mushroom studs are perfect for boho or cottagecore aesthetics, and the hypoallergenic design won't irritate your skin. You can feel like one with the earth when you put these on and curate a foresty, woodland aura.
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Nothing is quite as boho as an oversized pair of sunglasses. These round-frame glasses have an ombre lens that will block out the bright festival sun while enhancing your flower child look. And they're cut enough to wear after festival season, too.
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Yeehaw! These cow print bell bottoms are boho meets cowgirl, giving you that country, hipster vibe that is perfect for a festival with all music genres. The tight fit gives you a saucy, tailored look that works with tiny crop tops or billowy peasant shirts.
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This floral jumpsuit is as relaxed and comfy as pajamas but as trendy as your favorite summer dress. With pockets to hold your essentials and a smocked top, it offers an easygoing fit that's functional enough for a long day of dancing.
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Wear these folky headbands to bring that New Age feel to any outfit and create a refined hairstyle. The pack of six includes various floral and geometric designs to accommodate your daily mood, and the stretchy, supple material stays in place all day.
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Be free and eclectic in this airy cardigan that helps you cover up without overheating. It's made from 100% viscose for a silky, feather-light feel. The mandala-inspired patterns are tasteful, and the tiny tassels at the bottom are an essential boho detail.
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Embrace the Vanessa Hudgens festival aesthetic with this adorable daisy hair wreath that immediately makes you look like a Woodstock icon. The bright daisies are an enchanting addition to your outfit, and the easy-tie design makes it easy to adjust.
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Fringes are a classic boho element, and this fringed jacket is a must-have for chilly festival nights. The faux suede creates a vintage vibe and smooth texture, perfect for swaying to the music or sitting in the grass.
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Keep the sun out of your eyes and accessorize with this straw hat that can be folded up and tucked into your bag. The handcrafted hat feels earthy and authentic, taking you from beach days to festival weekends.
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What looks cuter with a flowy floral dress than some dusty cowgirl boots? These cream-colored suede boots are embroidered with a nature-inspired design for an elevated country look. The block heel is easy to walk in all day, and the rubber sole offers festival-level support.
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These palazzo pants are made of 100% cotton, making them supremely comfy — you'll never want to take them off. The flowy silhouette is perfect for a summer festival, keeping you cool and covered in the heat. And they come in fabulous floral and patchwork patterns.
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This crocheted bucket hat brings a woven flair to the skater silhouette, combining aesthetics for a unique and fashionable style. The handmade hat uses milk cotton yarn for a plush but durable feel, and the wide knit allows your head to breathe on hot days.
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Exude organic vibes without a flashy look in this cute daisy T-shirt, made with 100% Rayon for a breathable, lightweight feel. Order it oversized and wear it as a T-shirt dress, or go down a size for a fitted, baby-tee style. Either way, the large daisy graphic will bring those bohemian vibes.
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Add some glitter to your look with these rhinestone tights. The nude color keeps your outfit warm-toned, but the tiny rhinestones make your legs shimmer in the summer sun. Channel your inner boho fairy and bring a little sparkle to your vibe.
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Lean into the rustic style with these slouchy booties that embody that '70s Woodstock aesthetic. The synthetic rubber and light design keep your feet cool in the heat, and the low heel ensures you can comfortably walk for hours.
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Whether you're camping out or just being prepared, you can pack everything you need for your festival in this backpack. The understated geometric design is eclectic and artisanal. It's made with high-quality canvas and copper, ensuring a durable design and smooth enclosure.
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Bring a modern flair to the aesthetic with this patchwork skirt, constructed with denim, spandex, and other materials that create a sturdy but stretchy texture. The skirt is comfortable enough for dancing but fashionable enough for Insta posts.
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With these nylon hair ties, you can epitomize boho in every detail and create endearing hairstyles. The pack comes with 20 braided, knotted, or twisted hair ties you can use to throw your hair up when dancing gets sweaty or tie stylish braids, ponytails, and buns.
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Harness the power of crystals and stones with these gemstone rings on your fingers. The pack comes with 10 distinct gem styles, from amethyst to opal, and the chunky designs ensure they make a soulful statement that elevates your look.
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Stay warm and Western in this jean shacket that offers a distressed style and folky geometric weave. The spacious front pockets are ideal for holding your phone and wallet, and the oversized, relaxed look gives you that carefree vibe.
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Align your chakras with this gold pendant necklace that features seven chakras in a stainless steel design. It can fall as low as your sternum for an exaggerated look, and the chakras will keep you feeling balanced during the festival chaos.
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These braided sandals offer an earthy appearance that will make you feel like Mother Nature. The vegan rubber is flexible and sturdy, supporting your feet with effortless comfort and traction. You can adjust the braids for a looser fit or a more secure feel.
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Cultivate an indie aesthetic in this artsy strapless sundress with a smocked top that stays in place. The variety of floral and psychedelic patterns are ideal for a free-spirited aesthetic with a flirty aura.
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This tote bag is roomy enough to hold all your festival gear, from water bottles to fringe jackets. The 100% cotton, hand-embroidered construction is strong enough for heavier items, and the orange and yellow patchwork brings a sun-drenched vibe to your look.
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This simple tie-dye tank top features a sun and moon chakra design that captures the dreamy, cosmic spirit. With a cotton and elastane fabric blend, it offers a flexible, tailored fit that moves with you. Embrace the sun's energy with these warm tie-dye colors.
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No boho outfit is complete without some untamed earrings, and this set of 45 earrings offers stunning options. From orange tassels to crescent moon styles, there's a pair for every bohemian look, plus a few refined options for everyday wear.
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These loose-fitting pants are made with 100% Rayon for a lightweight feel. They come in feather-themed designs that give them an exceptionally breezy appearance, and the smocked waist and tapered ankle make them work with a range of top and shoe styles.
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